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Chain O'Lakes State Park serves as the primary camping destination near Round Lake, Illinois, with several distinct campgrounds including Fox Den, Turner Lake South, Prairie View, and Honeysuckle Hollow. The area provides camping options for various preferences, with tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and even cabin accommodations at select locations. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort represents another notable option in the area, located in nearby Volo with full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain electrical hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary by specific location.
Camping in the Round Lake area requires advance planning, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort typically open from May 1 to October 15. Reservations are strongly recommended at all established campgrounds. The proximity to water features is a defining characteristic of the region's camping experience, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and water recreation. Visitors should note that alcohol is prohibited at most state park campgrounds but allowed at private facilities like Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort. A camper noted, "There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
Several visitors highlight the family-friendly nature of camping facilities in the area. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort receives consistently positive reviews for its swimming beach, recreational activities, and amenities for children. According to one visitor, "This is a great local getaway! Perfect if you have a boat and want access to the Chain of Lakes." State park campgrounds like Fox Den are praised for their natural setting and proximity to hiking trails, with one reviewer noting that "it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything." Both public and private campgrounds in the region benefit from their strategic location between natural areas and conveniences, offering an accessible outdoor experience for Chicago-area residents seeking weekend escapes without venturing far from urban amenities.
"The group camp site is located pretty far away from the rest of the campsites, bathrooms, trails and amenities."
"We had a phenomenal time at Illinois State Park camping facilities! Space was clean, nature was alive, and the neighbors so friendly!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore"
"*** reviewing as a baby/toddler camp family on the go :-) we chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end"
"In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."
"You can hear whatever highway is nearby pretty clearly and constantly. But if you’re not looking for something super remote then it’s fine!"
"We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."
"It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, but it is close to everything. "
"Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."
"We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."
from $43 - $73 / night
Check Availability"Prairie View campground is in the Chain O Lakes State Park series. This is the no services campground. We could walk to fill up with water but no electric on site. Checking in was interesting."
"You could barely see the neighbors because of how overgrown the edges of the site were. We felt like we were in our own little bubble."
"Lots of biking and walking trails and plenty of off trail paths that lead to unique clearings, bridges, etc."
"tucked alongside a bike and walking path that goes through a beautiful forest preserve. The path is gorgeous dipping through forested sections, open fields, and lilly pad covered ponds!"
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This State Park isn't too far off the beaten path which is nice. Fairly close to gas stations, convenience stores, etc. The park is clean, and has the bathrooms and utilities that would be needed."
"There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"I would recommend this for anyone for starting to step out of the comfort zone for the outdoors. very simple, many paths to walk, jog, or ride a bike. a small lake is near the further parking lot. dogs"
"Had some cool amenities like the off road park and multiple fishing spots. Has a winery and cool dive bars all within 10 min. Only downside is all the noise from the road and the drag strip near by."
from $21 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of space & foliage between sites and a nice network of trails surrounding the campground. Close to some small towns and the interstate as well, but not close enough to hear traffic."
"the property is HUGE and most things are about a 10 to 15 min walk from the campsites. lots of hiking, boating, swimming fishing and more! a great place for anyone!"
from $21 - $110 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe got a campsite with a concrete pad. Electricity 30 amp site. There is a dump station close to the registration office. Boat ramp available for campers. One cabin for rental overlooking the Pierce Lake $50/night for Illinois resident. Beautiful setting. Wild turkeys roaming through our campground.
ScoutBlackwell has clean bathrooms, offers hiking trails, boating (kayak rentals) or bring your own, fishing, archery, cycling. The gate locks at 7pm but you just call the night guard and he will let you in. They’re only open on Friday, Saturday and holidays. Would definitely stay again. Be aware Winfield Road has a lot of traffic so sites further away from that road are best. Heard coyotes about 3 am both mornings. Rangers were exceptional.
ScoutThe park is beautiful. The water is beautiful. They say it's a gated community, but it's open to the public 9 to 5 daily. At twenty five dollars per person. And then on friday and saturday night, the locals that park here for the summer start their party central including karaoke at the camper next door, and several others. I've never had a camcround with that loud of parties. And it's a weekend event. I like hearing and seeing people having fun but when the manager extends the curfew for the parties she's at (they kind of party hop), it starts to affect the enjoyment of the park. If we had to stay, we'd stay in the S## sites in the back, where you don't hear so much of the partying. And then during the day, the rules began. Kind of like the soup nazi.
TravelerThere’s a lot of things to do out here. We did some hiking with our boy. The site we were at was maintained. It’s a nice place to go camping.
LegendThere’s something wonderfully EZ about camping where the kids can wander down toward the water and suddenly the whole weekend seems to slow down ... and that’s the entire charm of Honeysuckle Hollow. Here at Chain O’Lakes State Park, Honeysuckle Hollow is the largest and most wide open of the park’s camping areas, with electric sites geared particularly well toward RV families, although the tradeoff is noticeably less shade and almost zero privacy between nearly every campsite, compared with neighboring Fox Den, which offers up much more seclusion and shade. The greatest asset here is undoubtedly the direct access to Turner Lake (although you could also have direct access over at Turner Lake South), giving families an EZ place to fish, paddle or simply explore the shoreline, while electric hookups, picnic tables, grills and a nearby restroom/shower building keep the actual camping comfortably simple. We especially loved those unhurried moments when the boys could wander toward the lake while dinner was getting started and everyone seemed perfectly happy just being outside together. The shower facility here is convenient, although we found it just slightly more dilapidated conditions than the bathhouse located closer to Fox Den. From what we saw, I’d choose one of the better-spaced sites toward the Turner Lake side of the campground, where EZ water access helps compensate for Honeysuckle’s limited privacy. I’d recommend Honeysuckle for families who value electricity, lake access and a lively campground atmosphere, particularly if having Turner Lake practically in your backyard matters more than having your neighbors hidden behind the trees. One point to note is that the pier was in an advanced state of disrepair and so we were not able to fully maximize this particular amenity - so if accessing Turner Lake is important to you and your family, we would recommend calling ahead to verify the condition of the pier.
GuideWe are traveling mid week in September so did not make advanced reservations. The registration booth attendant assigned us site 506. (We were not permitted to drive through to pick our own location before registering). Our site was grassy and a bit muddy after some significant rains, but it was cozy with trees and tall brush on all sides. Pit toilets at each loop with a shower building just 5 minute walk away. You can hear the din of the highway about .5 miles away, but an easy place to stay if you are traveling through. Electricity on site, water spigots nearby and dump station near the entrance.
GuideLast minute online reservation...They only have. 4 or 5 RV sites...full hook ups...about $60+-...right near gas pumps but any noise did not bother us weary travelers...Only downside was showers were not included....For the price certainly an included shower should be part of the deal...easy check in and check out.,..We used the Love's site due to its location to visit family and the fact that electric was available...We have medical equipment that requires a recharge at night plus it's just nice to have the AC if needed.
TravelerSimple campsite. We should have brought some leveling blocks, But otherwise my wife and I enjoyed the site for our rental RV. Short 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan. The camp store is fairly robust with friendly people working there. I appreciate that there are 2 lanes for dump/fill stations. My wife and I would absolutely stay here again.
LegendWe had a truly enjoyable stay and would’ve stayed an extra day if our travel schedule would’ve allowed. David was a wonderful host. Greeted us with a smile and escorted us to our site. We had our choice of 2 spots, both lovely. Picnic table and plenty of FREE firewood to keep us cozy. Wild turkeys roamed the grounds as well as the friendly ducks. All in all, a very peaceful evening and a special place.
Camping options near Round Lake, Illinois center primarily around forest preserves and state parks that provide water access to the Chain O'Lakes system. The area sits at approximately 780 feet above sea level and experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Camping season typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing for the winter months due to below-freezing temperatures.
Paddling opportunities: Turner Lake South offers excellent kayaking with abundant wildlife viewing. "I love to kayak through here because I don't need to paddle through the river unless I'm feeling competitive. I enjoy this route for the wildlife and nature scenery. I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," notes Cora M.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Camp Reinberg provides varied terrain with paved and unpaved options. "Deer Grove Forest Preserve is the best. The trails through the grounds are varied and long--you can find something to suit just about any preference for suburban midwest hiking. There are plenty of paved trails as well as dirt, lots of fun little off-shoots into the woods, creeks run throughout, and there's even a little up-and-down thanks to ice age glaciers," explains Kristy G.
Winter recreation: Though most campgrounds close seasonally, Richard Bong State Recreation Area maintains winter camping and converts some trails for snow sports. "My go-to campground. Have camped here numerous times. Sometimes with family for fun and recreation. Other times all by myself for peace and solitude. This state campground fits both scenarios," shares Glenn S. about Sunset Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Prairie View Camping Area offers affordable camping with sites starting at just $12 per night. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly. There's some small trails around as well that are beginner," reports Addison G.
Lake access: Sites at Mud Lake East provide direct water access. "This is a great local getaway! There are numerous sites that are on a small lake with great sunset views. Sites are decent size but not much privacy in between sites. Lots of wooded trails within the campground. Perfect if you have a boat and want access to the Chain of Lakes," explains Jori W.
Private site options: For campers seeking more seclusion, Fox Den provides more separation between sites. "Fox den at Chain-o-Lakes state park provides a more secluded camping experience than Honeysuckle or the 2 tent camping areas. Pads are pretty level, and each site has some semblance of privacy from other campers (our site was protected on 3 sides by some fairly dens foliage and trees)," according to Ian C.
Gate closures: Most state parks in the area have strict gate policies. "The gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark," warns Brian O. at Turner Lake South.
Insects: Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic, especially in summer months. "SO many ticks. With a baby crawling that needed to be set free, we were constantly doing checks. Luckily our screen house pop up on a tarp that was sprayed ahead for tick repellent plus a blanket on top of that did the trick, but they literally fall out of the trees into people!" cautions Meg about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Seasonal facility maintenance: Honeysuckle Hollow Camping Area bathrooms require attention during peak season. "It's a really nice site, but the running water bathrooms were not cleaned regularly and the pit toilets were almost overflowing on a Thursday. The site was also filled with garbage when we arrived," notes Terran B.
Scout the right loop: Not all campground loops are equally suitable for families with young children. "We chose the loop 11 was on because it was close to the path to the playgrounds and lakes plus bathrooms… avoid the first 2 sites from either end as the ones closest to the main loop aren't very deep. Closer to the center of this row is best," recommends Meg at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Midweek camping: For a less crowded experience with children, consider non-weekend dates. "We stayed here for a week over the summer in 2021. The campground was really busy during the weekend, but cleared out Sunday and we nearly had the whole loop to ourselves during the week," shares Tina at Honeysuckle Hollow.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for common wildlife interactions. "The raccoons at night here are no joke. The second it's dusky, they come scavenging for absolutely anything food has touched. So basically, eat dinner and do s'mores early, then everything must be packed into cars for the night and all surfaces wiped down," advises Meg.
Electrical hookups: At Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, full hookup RV sites provide the most amenities near Round Lake. "We stayed for 4 nights in June in a pull thru FHU. The mosquitos were pretty vicious... a couple of the regulars said it was the worst they'd been in years. We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night," reports Jenifer K.
Electric box sharing: Be aware of electrical box arrangements at some campgrounds. "These sites share an electric box. Some spaces the box is further than 30 feet from the pad. A lot of the spaces are also crowded together. Recommend sites 23 to 46 for spacing and electric distance," advises Debra M. about Honeysuckle Hollow.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully if you have slideouts. "We originally booked 96 but could not extend our slide because of large trees on either side of the pad and then the electric was about 50 feet away. Moved to 50 one of the nicest spots," shares Debra M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds on Round Lake for tent camping?
For tent camping around Round Lake, Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers nicely private sites that are ideal for tent campers looking for a more secluded experience. For a different setting, Pinewoods Campground — Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit provides an excellent tent camping experience in a pine forest setting with easy access to the Ice Age and Scuppernong trails. Both locations offer a true outdoor experience with the basic amenities tent campers need while maintaining a natural environment.
Are there family-friendly camping activities available at Round Lake?
The Round Lake area offers excellent family-friendly activities. At Camp Reinberg, families enjoy numerous biking and walking trails with off-trail paths leading to unique clearings and bridges. For water recreation, Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground provides peaceful lakeside activities including canoe rentals and fishing, complemented by nice walking trails. Throughout the area, you'll find opportunities for swimming, boating, wildlife watching, and campfire programs. Many campgrounds also offer playgrounds and open spaces for games, making Round Lake an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.
Can you RV camp at Round Lake State Park and what amenities are available?
Yes, RV camping is available near Round Lake. Prairie View — Chain O' Lakes State Park offers primitive camping with no hookups at sites, though water is accessible by a short walk. For RVers wanting more amenities, Honeysuckle Hollow — Chain O' Lakes State Park provides more developed sites with electric hookups and is designed to accommodate RVs with a more open layout. Both areas have basic restroom facilities, though Prairie View has fewer services overall. Most RV sites in the area are level and accessible, with nearby access to the lake's recreational opportunities.
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